VKF_FRAE_2018_uyg11

VakıfBank Annual Report 2018 37 VakıfBank maintained its leadership in providing cost-effective funding from international debt capital market. In 2018, VakıfBank continued its role as Turkey’s pioneer bank in providing funding from international debt capital market. The Bank continued to be the strength on the side of the national economy with long-term and cost-effective funding sources, provided under different structures such as Eurobond, covered bond, private placements, the transactions under post finance program and IFI borrowings. VakıfBank became the most active bank in providing international funding sources via different transactions during the year. International borrowings reached USD 5.6 billion in 2018. This success came at a time when developments in international markets and speculative attacks on Turkey reached their highest level. It also once again confirmed the confidence of international markets in both VakıfBank and Turkey. In addition, the participation of global players from developed economies in these borrowing transactions probed the Bank’s reputation. The Bank provided support to educate special children. Having grouped all its corporate social responsibility activities under the single brand “I am on Your Side,” VakıfBank supported numerous projects for the education of special youth – a focus area of its CSR efforts. VakıfBank sponsored the creation of 19 mechatronics and mind games workshops in various cities across the country. This effort was part of a joint project conducted together with the Science and Arts Education Centers (BİLSEM) operating under the Ministry of National Education. VakıfBank provides ongoing support to the initiative, which aims to improve the unique talent of special children identified at primary school level by exams. In cooperation with Anatolia Autism Foundation, the Bank provided support to the Center for Early Intervention, Training, Follow- up and Research in Autism Services, currently under construction. The Bank also engaged in efforts to raise awareness in this area. We won awards for our product branding and communications efforts. VakıfBank ramped up its product and service branding efforts in parallel with its customer-oriented activities. The Bank was presented with many awards for its corporate achievements in 2018. In addition to offering customers innovative products such as Mobile Field Sales, Bee Account, My Rent is Safe, and Win on Mobile, VakıfBank climbed higher in the most valuable brands ranking. The Bank continued to make progress in brand perception and advert remembrance levels thanks to its effective communication efforts. In “Turkey’s Most Valuable Brands” ranking compiled by Brand Finance, VakıfBank achieved the fastest progress. The Bank also received over 30 awards and honors from domestic and international organizations, experiencing a golden year in terms of recognition for its excellence. VakıfBank: The Champion of Turkey, Europe and the World VakıfBank Women’s Volleyball Team has gone from strength to strength over the last 32 years with uninterrupted support from the Bank. Once again in 2018, the celebrated team won numerous gold medals and trophy cups. The Yellow-Blacks were the winners of all major tournaments they participated in during the year. As a result, VakıfBank Women’s Volleyball Team became the champions of Turkey, Europe and the World – inspiring tremendous pride across the Bank and the nation. First, VakıfBank beat its main rival Eczacıbaşı Vitra by winning three out of the five Turkish League finals games they played, reaching its 10 th Turkey Championship in April 2018. VakıfBank advanced to the Final Four of the CEV European Championship League held in Bucharest, Romania unbeaten. VakıfBank then faced Italy’s Imoco Volley and subsequently the home team Alba Baj. Winning both of these games, VakıfBank acquired its fourth unbeaten European Championship, thus gaining its fourth star. Finally, VakıfBank participated in the FIVB Clubs World Championship held in China in December. The Yellow-Blacks won all five matches it played in the tournament, gaining its third gold medal in this category. With these remarkable achievements, VakıfBank Women’s Volleyball Team has maintained its title as “Turkey’s most successful team internationally.” The team has also been closely followed and highly appreciated by all stakeholders. More than 93% of all banking transactions was executed via non- branch channels in 2018. Meanwhile, the user base of VakıfBank Mobile, which was upgraded during the year, approached 3.5 million.